coliseum

noun

col·​i·​se·​um ˌkä-lə-ˈsē-əm How to pronounce coliseum (audio)
1
capitalized : colosseum sense 1
2
: a large sports stadium or building designed like the Colosseum for public entertainments

Examples of coliseum in a Sentence

the local coliseum is a standard stop for rock bands on tour
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The coliseum concert marks The Format’s first full-band performance since 2007, although Sam Means and Nate Ruess did surprise fans at a 2020 viewing party for a Format concert film in downtown Phoenix with a full unplugged reunion concert. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025 The outdoor sets will bookend The Format’s headlining performance in the coliseum. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025 Despite the loss, Friday night was a lot of fun inside the coliseum. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025 Designed as a coastal oasis, its coliseum pool features a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, with scenic views of the luscious Pelican Hill Golf Club. Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for coliseum

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Colosseum, Colisseum

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coliseum was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coliseum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coliseum. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

coliseum

noun
col·​i·​se·​um ˌkäl-ə-ˈsē-əm How to pronounce coliseum (audio)
: a large structure (as a stadium) for athletic contests or public entertainment
Etymology

from the Latin spelling used in the Middle Ages for the Colosseum, a great outdoor arena in ancient Rome

More from Merriam-Webster on coliseum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!